#tolly x margaret

[thexreluctantxviscount]

Event: Lady Derringford’s Picnic Auction Date: 5 June 1800 Parties: Viscount Brooksbury, Tolivander Albarron and Miss Margaret Mulgrave of Marlborough @margaretmulgrave​​ Time: At the conclusion of the Auction and beginning of the luncheon Basket: Item No. 5 When preparing for the auction, Tolly decided if this was to be his first event of the Season, he would take it seriously. He and his sister spent hours debating the contents of his basket, selecting just the right linens, the basket and the tone he wished to set among the Ton. Unable to resist, he insisted on one particular dish from his adopted home that was a favourite among his family there. The household cook was put out by the request and only when Tolly started to prepare it himself did she put aside her feelings on the matter to finish the dish to his specifications. Frankly if the lady’s companionship turned out to be dull, he at least wanted a good meal out of it. 

The discussions with the other gentlemen were more revealing than he thought the men intended. He found a few though that might just become interesting enough to further the acquaintance. He knew he needed such connections should he wish to be successful in his pursuit of a wife, especially given the fact that he felt old enough to be the father of some of these pups, who looked far too wet behind the ears to be out of short pants, much less courting.

His appreciation turned to the bidding itself. The woman who succeeded in securing his basket was clearly determined and beautiful. Two positive strikes in her favour. If nothing else, he was hoping to secure a commendation from the lady in question when she spoke to the other ladies. A man’s reputation could be won or abandoned in a single event.

The violet embroidered blanket was spread out on a particularly lovely knoll, well in sight of the others so as not to raise a hint of scandal but set back just far enough that they could engage in quiet conversation without another party hearing every word. The tea service was set up by a competent staff member of the Derringford household while the first course of salamagundy and sliced vegetables in a variety of shapes was laid out among bottles of lemonade poured into charming glasses, also painted with violets. He was quite pleased with it, even if he did say so himself.

“Good day, Miss Mulgrave. Thank you for doing me the honour of acquiring my basket.”

[thexreluctantxviscount]

Thursday luncheon | July 1800 | Albarron Residence

@margaretmulgrave​

The day was slightly cooler but still well above normal, even for the summer. Taking the luncheon invitation seriously, Tolly engaged the assistance of both his mother and sister in ensuring the occasion would meet any Lady’s standards. A large table was set up, the table cloth embroidered with delicate violets and a pretty centrepiece of blooms occupied the centre of the arrangement. 

“Oh Tolly.” Vivi exclaimed as she straightened his jacket with a firm hand. “Do try to keep it together.” she scolded, rather impressed that her brother, absent for most of her seasons had set his cap for one of the most impressive ladies of the Ton. Did she think it would succeed? Not particularly. However, it was the first time he had seemed genuinely alive and engaged since his return.

“Come!” their mother called out with an imperious wave of her hand, gesturing for the two children still at home with her to join her to greet the guests. Miss Mulgrave and her beloved Aunt were here and it was time to make a good impression. 

Tolly took a deep breath and let it out slowly. This was perhaps a moment that might change the course of his life and he did not wish to disappoint, even as his mind turned over the resolute and handsome expression of the other, absent, gentleman. “Dios.” he cursed quietly as he followed his mother and sister inside the residence once again.

[thexreluctantxviscount]

“Come, the most lovely Captain in all of England, the stairs await.” Tolly teased, leaning in to murmur these words to Margaret. It was a delight to see her again. How quickly her friendship had come to mean so much to him. He knew when she finally selected her life’s companion, it would end because English gentlemen did not generally allow their beautiful wives to maintain a friendship with another man. He was foolishly setting himself up for one more loss. Yet, he couldn’t resist. Earning her smile was too much of a delight and her good opinion meant far more than the Ton’s approval. 

So with acquaintance renewed, Tolly advised her of this alleged grotto of shells - a magical sort of place. Both of them intrigued, they agreed to set off, dragging the Lady’s poor companion along with them. He felt a little bad for the chaperone but since he truly did not have ill intent toward his friend, not even the slightest besmirchment of her reputation would be permitted by him. So chaperones had to be politely escorted. He carried with him a parcel containing some light repast during their visit to the grotto itself. It wasn’t nearly as fancy as their first picnic together but with three lemonades, a small blanket for the ladies to seat themselves and some sandwiches and biscuits, it would do for a little treat and was heavy enough that Tolly hadn’t wished to overburden himself.

His valet had insisted on outfitting him appropriately for the day but already he had done away with the light jacket, leaving him in a fine shirt over light linen trousers and a handsome cravat that was the colour of violets. His footwear was appropriate for climbing through grottos and down flights of unknown stairs. “Shall we?” he murmured as he offered his arm to the Lady.

@margaretmulgrave​

[thexreluctantxviscount]

🍬 (obvs ooc but still 👀)

OOC

"I regret each day that upon our first acquaintance you could not see in me someone you would ever wish to wed. I would spend my life earning your love should I ever be permitted to do so. I long to touch you, caress you, and hold you in my arms. Your smile is a treasure, your presence is a gift and your intelligence shines from you. Of course I could never say these things to you. I long to speak your name and call you my own. My Margaret. Except this will never be..."

[thexreluctantxviscount]

1800 June || Saturday Morning

As Chelsea recommended, the gray suited him immensely and he was well pleased with his newest acquisition. Compared to the proper nature of all other new purchases, this was the first that was strictly for him and it felt right. As did inviting Miss Mulgrave for a ride in the park to further their acquaintance. His mother was most impressed when he advised her of his plans and he didn’t have the heart to complete the story when it was the first genuine smile he had seen on the dear woman since they arrived in London. 

As he arrived, he handed the reins to a fine looking groom bearing the Mulgrave insignia and made his way to the door, calling card in hand to announce his arrival to the lady. The sun was already warming the day and after some late night festivities the evening before, the streets were near to empty, ensuring that they would actually have the park quite to themselves it seemed. 

@margaretmulgrave​